Xenophobic attacks: 8 Nigerians Want To Return Home --Consul General

Nigeria's Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, said
on Wednesday that eight Nigerians have so far indicated interest to
return home due to xenophobic attacks.

Okeke told pressmen on phone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that the
Nigerian mission was already working with them to facilitate their
journey back home.

'' I am working with eight Nigerians who have indicated interest to go
home. They are presently at the deportation holding facility at
Limbola, South Africa,'' she said. The Consul General said the mission
held a meeting with leaders of the Nigerian Union in the nine
provinces of South Africa.

'' The meeting was successful. Victims of the attacks came with
wounds, including machete and gunshot wounds. '' They narrated how
they were attacked and brought pictures. We took note of all that. ''
The mission asked all the provincial chairmen of the union to collate
all information reported,'' she said.

Okeke said the report would be sent to the Federal Government for
further action, adding that the mission and the union worked out a
vigilance defence mechanism to protect Nigerians. She also said the
attacks had reduced and that Nigerians were asked to be vigilant
inspite of the current development.

The President of Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene,
also told newsmen that the meeting with the mission was used to
assess the situation and take stock of losses suffered by Nigerians.
'' It was a successful meeting. Victims of the attack came and gave
firsthand account of their experiences. '' We asked them to collate
their losses and these will be sent to the government for further
action,'' he said.
--Vanguard